Do Not Cross

The US Mint announced today that they will be re-introducing the dollar coin into circulation next year. But this time, they will be distributing them similar to the recent 50 state quarter series. This time, every year the US Mint will distribute four coins that will have four of our presidents printed on them, in the order of which they served. The process will start with George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison in 2007. Since a president cannot be featured on currency until at least 2 years after his death, the program is slated to last until 2016, with the issuing of Richard M. Nixon and Ronald Reagan coins. But by then, Ford, Carter, Bush Sr., Clinton, or Bush Jr. could kick the bucket and land on a coin.

I’m excited about this program, mainly because I really enjoyed the 50 state quarter program. I enjoyed the idea of finding a new design for the coin every few months. Similar to how I love it when the US Mint changes designs in the paper currency. For instance, all the new watermarking and slight changes in portrait size and positions in the new $10 and $20 bills.

One thing I’m concerned about is that will people accept the idea of a $1 coin? Its already failed twice in in the past (Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea coins). I would like the idea of a $1 coin, but I think a lot of people don’t like the idea because they don’t want to carry around all that change. But think of it this way, is it better to be able to carry around four quarters, or one dollar coin? And it’ll be less singles you’ll have to put into your bulky wallet. And if you lessen the amount of bulk in your wallet, your posture will be better when you sit. And with better posture, you will have less back problems. With less back problems, Americans won’t have to go to the doctor as much, thus lowering the amount spent on healthcare each year. Thus the cost of healthcare reduces.

See, the goverment just wants to help.